Re: Clarification needed on a couple things concerning Islam
well sis you are wrong here. if persons of every religion after doing good deeds would be blessed with forgiveness then why Islam is there? people could also follow christianity and there was no need of Islam to come.?
Salaam Nisha,
There are arguments from both sides namely exclusivists VS the Pluralists. As per my understanding of Islam (which is very limited and I am always keen to learn more) the only criteria and the only standard eternal happiness and success is the real belief in Allah (swt) and the day of resurrection, accompanied by good deeds. Whoever believes with the right intention and commits right deeds, be it Christian, Jew, or whoever, will find salvation because Allah (swt) is Just.
2:62 Surely those who believe, and those who are Jews, and the Christians, and the Sabians, whoever believes in Allah and the Last day and does good, they shall have their reward from their Lord, and there is no fear for them, nor shall they grieve
The above verse also clearly states that Muslim, Jew, Christian are mere titles that we have chosen for ourselves and what really matter is what lies inside our hearts and the deeds that we commit. I know that many of my peers will not like me saying this but us saying we are Muslims does not necessarily constitutes that we are seen by God as such. One clear example is when holy Quran explains the high status of the Holy Prophet and his companions but ends the verse with saying “Allah has promised those among them who believe and do good , forgiveness and a great reward” (48:29). So even the companions are to be judged on the same criteria and as the verse shows only those who believed and did good will be succeeded.
Ponder on the words of Imam Ali (as) when he said “Consider the humankind your brother. Either your brothers in faith or your equals in humanity”. In nobility and good deeds there are no two standards as demonstrated by a beautiful example given by Faris Udeen.
Wasalam,
ramesha
the main purpose of Islam was that Allah has ordered to only follow Islamic rules becoz Islam is a true and complete religion whereas others are not